Hyatt Hotels in March began offering small-format cocktails at several properties across the U.S. Ranging in size from 1-½ oz. to 2 oz., the mini cocktails were designed with hospitality and convenience in mind in that they allow guests to sample one — or several — nips before deciding on a large-format beverage, the company says.
Conversation Kitchen & Bar, the new American restaurant located at Hyatt’s Thompson Seattle hotel, offers three new mini cocktail versions of the classics: a Negroni made with Beefeater gin, Campari and sweet vermouth; a Vesper with Tanqueray gin, Ketel One vodka and Cocchi Americano; and a Manhattan (shown atop) with Woodinville rye, sweet vermouth and Angostura bitters. Each mini is priced at $8; full-size cocktails at Conversation range in price from $17 to $18.
Parker’s, a jazz lounge at New York’s Thompson Central Park hotel, has introduced two signature small-format beverages. Man Baby, priced at $12 and inspired by the reason you might need a little afternoon nap during cocktail hour, incorporates Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Vermouth Volume Primo, Grand Marnier and Angostura bitters. Daiq Snack, made with Ten To One Caribbean white rum, lime and simple syrup, is priced at $10. Full-size cocktails at Parker’s range from $22 to $30.
In addition to serving as a beverage “amuse bouche,” Hyatt believes the mini drink option also helps to eliminate the fear of buyer’s remorse or overindulging. The company in 2021 had expanded its Zero Proof, Zero Judgment beverage program to bring dedicated no-alcohol drinks to several of its U.S. hotel brands.
What’s more, small-format cocktails can serve as a palate awakener ahead of Happy Hour, a big meal or wine pairing, and allow guests to fully personalize their beverage experience. B-Side, a hidden speakeasy in Hyatt’s Revival Baltimore, serves up two craft mini cocktails to bring guests a small taste of what’s to come at the spirit-forward micro-bar. The Gin on the Fly is made with Hendrick’s Gin, Chareau aloe liqueur and Dolin Blanc vermouth; and Whiskey on the Fly features Monkey Shoulder Scotch, Lustau PX sherry and Peychaud’s bitters.
